Subscribe to the NewsLocal Lion’s Clubs Fundraiser for Veteran’s Program
By Admin
The Kitsap Sun outlines a fundraising effort by local Lion’s Clubs in support of Project New Hope, which will support returning local veterans to reconnect with their families.
Kitsap residents will get a chance to help veterans unwind after deployment.
Members of Lions Clubs of Western Washington will host a fundraiser March 11 to help support the Project New Hope program, which allows veterans and their families to spend a week on a retreat away from home.
During a Mardi Gras-themed evening, the Lions Masquerade Ball and Auction, 30 ceramic lions painted by artists and celebrities from the area will be auctioned off. The costume party event is open to the public.
On Friday, Bremerton artist Amy Burnett showed off in her Pacific Avenue gallery a multicolored version she painted, next to a gold and brown feline done by fellow artist Shelly Wilkerson.
Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent said glass artist Dale Chihuly, radio personality Delilah Rene, author Debbie Macomber, and major league baseball player Willie Bloomquist of the Arizona Diamondbacks have also agreed to paint their own versions for the auction, as will representatives from the Kitsap BlueJackets and Kitsap Pumas.
Lent said the Project New Hope retreats allow families to reconnect away from the stress of life at home or at war. Shawn Heistand, an Afghanistan War Army veteran who served 14 months ending in 2007, said help in adjusting is welcomed.
“It was good to come back, but you definitely have to adjust,” Heistand said.
Burnett named her lion Mr. B (for Bremerton) Lion and said the colors she picked were designed to create a lighthearted energy.
Two ceramic lions, one painted by artist Shelly Wilkerson and another by artist Amy Burnett, are overshadowed by artwork in Burnett’s Pacific Avenue gallery. The lions will be auctioned March 11 as part of a fundraiser for veterans and their families. (Steven Gardner/Kitsap Sun)
Bremerton artist and gallery owner Amy Burnett and Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent discuss a Lions Club fundraiser for a program to help returning veterans adjust to civilian life with their families. (Steven Gardner/Kitsap Sun)
Lions painted by Bremerton artists Shelly Wilkerson (left) and Amy Burnett (the blue one on the right) will among 30 to be auctioned off to benefit recently returned war veterans at a March 11 fundraiser. (Steven Gardner/Kitsap Sun)
The Lions Club event is at 7 p.m. March 11, costs $50 and will be at the Port Orchard Pavilion, 701 Bay St. For information and tickets, call Mike Peterson at (360) 698-0369.
Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/feb/25/colorful-lions-club-fundraiser-aims-to-help/#ixzz1F6Wze4F4
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